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The founder of one of the successful football academies, Osaro Intl Sports Academy, has stated that the goal is to help take more young people off the streets through the programme.
UK-based Nigerian entrepreneur Lucky Osaro Godwin emphasised the importance of Nigeria investing in its youth, as they represent the country’s future.
“I decided to start the academy because sports remain Nigeria’s long-term development agenda,” he explained.
“With sports increasingly recognised as a viable tool for empowerment and social impact, initiatives such as Osaro Intl Sports Academy are emerging as structured platforms designed to channel raw talent into organised development pathways.”
Further elaborating, he noted that the academy concentrates on grassroots football development, focusing on discipline, mentorship, and creating opportunities.
He added that the initiative targets young players who might otherwise lack access to formal training systems. The academy’s approach combines football training with wider developmental values, aiming to shape players not only as athletes but also as individuals ready for life beyond sport.
He said: “This dual-focus approach reflects a growing trend among private sports institutions seeking to address both skill development and personal growth.”
Recent activities include organised trials, talent identification programmes, and preparations for international exposure. These efforts aim to connect local talents with global football networks, an area where many grassroots players face barriers.
Experts in youth sports development consistently emphasise the importance of structured systems at the grassroots level. In the absence of widespread institutional frameworks, independent academies are increasingly filling this gap.
While challenges such as funding and infrastructure persist, the rise of platforms like Osaro Intl Sports Academy signifies a move towards more organised and purposeful youth engagement through sport.
